Abstract: The present invention deals with a protein and compositions comprising the same for inhibition of lipases and phospholipases in the body fluids, cells, and tissues for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disorders, and inflammatory diseases. The protein is either isolated from plant species or synthesized or produced by recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a protein and compositions comprising the same for inhibition of lipases and phospholipases in the body fluids, cells, and tissues for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disorders, and inflammatory diseases. The protein is either isolated from plant species or synthesized or produced by recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: A method for blocking the attachment of leukocytes to endothelial cells/lining of the blood vessels using a plant derived protoberberine alkaloid, berberine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. This prevents tissue damage to the surrounding tissue. The method also can be used to prevent and/or treat clinical manifestations that involve endothelial cell-leukocyte attachment, for example septic shock, arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, allergic asthma, metastatic melanoma and graft rejection.

Abstract: Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof either alone or in combination with cyclosporin can be used to treat or prevent graft vs. host disease. Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can also be used to treat or prevent septic shock syndrome.

Abstract: A method for ex vivo expansion of the number of hematopoietic cells using a culture medium comprising an extract prepared from a plant of the Tinospora species and a method of ex vivo expansion of the number of hematopoietic cells by inducing IL-6 production by using a culture medium comprising an extract from a plant of the Tinospora species are described.

Abstract: Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof either alone or in combination with cyclosporin can be used to treat or prevent graft vs. host disease. Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can also be used to treat or prevent septic shock syndrome.

Abstract: Process for isolation of 1-(3,4-methylenedioxy-phenyl)-1E-tetradecene from Piper longum. Processes for synthesis of 1-(3,4-methylenedioxy-phenyl)-1E-tetradecene; its stereoisomers and analogues are disclosed. The compounds isolated and synthesized according to this invention have immunomodulatory properties and can be used to treat tumors and infections.

Abstract: A process for isolating berberine from plants is described. An oral formulation of berberine is described.

Abstract: An alternate approach to vasectomy for long term male contraception following a single intra-vas.application of a traditional plant (Azadirachta indica) product having immunomodulatory properties is described. The intra-vas administration of neem oil to male rats resulted in a block of spermatogenesis without affecting the testosterone production; the seminiferous tubules, although reduced in diameter, appeared normal and contained mostly early spermatogenic cells. No antisperm antibody could be detected in the serum. Unilateral administration of neem oil in the vas resulted in a significant reduction of testicular size and spermatogenic block only on the side of application; the draining lymph node cells of the treated side also showed enhanced proliferative response to in vitro mitogen challenge. These results indicate that intra-vas application of neem oil is effective in blocking fertility in male mammals after a single injection.